From the national weather service..
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT THE OUTLOOK AREA THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING. SOME OF THE THUNDERSTORMS MAY BE SEVERE…MAINLY EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE. THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM. DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL ARE THE PRIMARY THREATS…ALTHOUGH ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE.
From the city…
Tornadoes are more common in Virginia than most residents recognize and can happen anytime, anywhere, with little or no warning. Knowing what to do when seconds really count can save lives. As spring is approaching, the County of Albemarle, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia in coordination with the local Emergency Communications Center are encouraging our community to actively participate in a statewide effort to recognize tornado awareness and to plan and participate in a shelter-in-place drill.
The event will begin at 9:45am on Tuesday, March 17th not only in the Charlottesville area but in localities across Virginia. Local jurisdictions will be offering public education materials to schools, businesses and the community through the newly initiated community emergency website: www.communityemergency.com and will be participating in various capacities to educate their staff and the public on the need to stay alert during severe weather events that may produce tornadoes. In addition, information will be offered to staff, students and citizens on how to best protect citizens, themselves and their families if a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is sited. In 2008, the annual statewide drill drew nearly 350,000 participants with assistance from governments and the media. This voluntary participation took various forms from actual drills, to discussions, handouts, and test alerts done in conjunction with local television and radio stations.
“Last year nearly 40 tornadoes touched down in the state injuring more than 220 of our neighbors,” said Marge Thomas, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia and the County of Albemarle. “This coordinated effort and the participation of families and individuals is vital in keeping our residents informed and safe. I urge everyone to take a moment to better understand tornado safety instructions and to make a plan for themselves, their customers and clients, and their families.”
Last year’s significant number of tornadoes was second only to 2004 which saw the largest tornado outbreak in Virginia’s history that produced 91 tornado touch downs including several in our area. Officials urge the public to stay informed by listening to local emergency officials and the local media and to know and practice what to do in the event of a tornado. Another notable recommendation is to obtain and regularly use an inexpensive NOAA weather radio, available at most electronics stores, as well as outdoor sporting stores and online.
Information sheet after the break…
We just got word that Dorothy is trying to find shelter.
I.E., there is a tornado warning, the show at the pavilion got canceled and you need to be really careful tonight. Let us know what you’ve seen.
UPDATE: For nearly real time tornado warnings, go here: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=akq&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no
Watch out Dorothy, tornadoes are a coming.
There is a tornado watch until 3AM tonight:
A COLD FRONT WILL MOVE FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS THE MID ATLANTIC TONIGHT. THIS FRONT WILL BRING SHOWERS AND AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS. IN ADDITION TO HEAVY RAINFALL…THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE LOCALLY DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND EVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF A TORNADO.
